Little Sisters

of the Poor
By Kim Willett and Jane Abernathie
 Mission Statement
Compassion video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoB0YHLH2uk

The Little Sisters of the Poor are an international congregation of Roman Catholic women religious
founded in 1839 by Saint Jeanne Jugan. Together with a diverse network of collaborators, we serve the
elderly poor in over 30 countries around the world. Continuing the work of Saint Jeanne Jugan, our
MISSION is to offer the neediest elderly of every race and religion a home where they will be welcomed
as Christ, cared for as family and accompanied with dignity until God calls them to himself (LSOP).

Our VISION is to contribute to the Culture of Life by nurturing communities where each person is
valued, the solidarity of the human family and the wisdom of age are celebrated, and the compassionate
love of Christ is shared with all (LSOP).

Values: reverence, family spirit, humble service, compassion, and stewardship

 Data
Demographic: 65 years or older, all races, all
religions, (observation: primarily Caucasian
women)

Economic: Low income residents

Environmental: Henrico County, middle-upper

class area. Building: older, dated, spread
out/large, and beautiful courtyards

Health Resources: "Regular medical services

are provided on-site and include physical
therapy, occupational therapy, and speech
therapy, medical, podiatry, and dental
services (LSOP)

For more acute care needs - Local hospital

systems: Bon Secours and HCA.
 Morbidity & Mortality
Morbidity:

1. Infection (UTI, Influenza, Pneumonia, skin, etc.)

2. Memory loss and mental health (Dementia, Depression, Alzheimer's)

3. Moderate to severe functional limitations

4. Diabetes, strokes, COPD, and osteoporosis

Mortality:

1. Heart disease

2. Cancer

3. Chronic lower respiratory disease

 Community Partnership
Community Liaisons: Brenda
Hooker (Activities Coordinator)
and Nursing Director

Community Needs: volunteers

to provide fun, stimulating
activities mostly to prevent
loneliness and promote
happiness. Fundraising and
donations for residents and
facility.
Assessment Summary
Community strengths: great
quality staff, birds (aviary),
outdoor environment, a lot of
volunteers, residents are
organized into small social groups
(pods based on care level), dining
room that is all windows, and
compassionate and faith based.

Community weaknesses: Older

building, dim lighting in most of
the building, and its spaced
out/big campus (which can be
difficult for those in wheelchairs).
Overview
Target population: LSOP clients

Days/hours: October 4th, 9am-noon

Methods for evaluation: Satisfaction and

feedback from activities coordinator, other
volunteers and clients, observation of client
behaviors

Resources: fingernail polish, nail polish

remover, cotton swabs, hand wipes, lotion,
markers, paper pumpkins, a large table, and
seating-mostly their wheelchairs,
(approximately 15$ each).

During the pumpkin crafts, we would ask

them about their favorite fall memories and
wrote them down on the pumpkins.
 SMART Goals
Specific- Seasonal craft and activity that will help orient, socialize, exercise
dexterity, boost esteem, and bring joy to a vulnerable senior population.
Measurable (Qualitative) We will measure our success based on positive
interactions with the vulnerable population. As well as any positive feedback they
may give us.
Attainable This project is within our scope as student volunteers and is
affordable. Limitations are based on the varied levels of participation of the
seniors.
Relevant It is relevant to the course because we are putting the needs of a
vulnerable population first and serving their community.
Time The date (10/4/17) is planned for the month of October to match the
fall/seasonal craft and activity.
 Community Involvement
How community strengths were utilized: Volunteers, staff,
loyal supporters come together to host French Food Festival
(proceeds for LSOP). Family days and volunteer recruitment
(lots of youth involvement), Bingo night, crafts, hospitality club,
and hosting a play.

Methods: contacted the activities and volunteer coordinator.

 Formative Evaluation
During the activity-

Target population: We were able to reach the

population but wish we could have reached more
(we had about 15 participants). We will continue
the project monthly.

Challenges: Only two of us leading the project and

two other volunteers (overcame by having extra
activities available while they waited to have their
nails painted). Some participants could not or did
not want to actively participate (overcame by still
having them present so they can benefit from the
interactions.)
Summative Evaluation
After the activity-

Community members: about 15

participants; most in wheelchairs, one
blind, many with arthritis, mostly women
but one man.

Objectives & Actual experience:

Participants smiled throughout, positive
feedback that they enjoyed the activity
(including activities director), hung
pumpkins on their doors, compliments on
their fingernails, and asked if we would
come back.
 Conclusion
What went well: The residents really enjoyed the
activities and it brightened their day.

What we will do differently: Some of the ladies

had arthritis; this made it difficult for painting
nails and coloring pumpkins. We are going to see
what alternatives we can come up with.

Lessons: Simple activities like we planned can

really make their day. Offering that healing
presences and therapeutic listening.

Jane and I plan to continue to volunteer monthly

with LSOP and help raise money when we can.
We will continue to bring finger nail polish and
crafts to help residents by having more
interactions and socialization. We will also
continue to support the gift shop where
proceeds go to LSOP and residences.
 Upcoming events
Christmas Bazar: TBA
43rd Annual Benefit Dinner: Thursday, February 8, 2018 @ the Commonwealth Club (Contact
Corinne at ecrichmond@littlesistersofthepoor.org or 804-377-4629 for more info.)
French Food Festival: April 27th & 28th 2018 at LSOP (1503 Michaels Rd, Richmond Va)
 References
Mouton, C. P., Bazaldua, O. V., Pierce, B., & Espino, D. V. (2001, January 15). Common
Infections in Older Adults. Retrieved November 01, 2017, from
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0115/p257.html

National Center for Health Statistics. (2017, May 03). Retrieved November 01, 2017, from
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/older-american-health.htm

PubMed - NCBI. (n.d.). Retrieved November 02, 2017, from

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/

Little Sisters of the Poor Virginia. (n.d.). Retrieved November 02, 2017, from
http://www.littlesistersofthepoorvirginia.org/

2020 Topics and Objectives (n.d.). Retrieved November 01, 2017, from
https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives